Concert in Kitchener: Phenomenal!

November 22, 2009

Internationally renowned chanteuse Christine Schuhmann’s concert for FM 98.5 CKWR, Canada’s first community radio station, was the most successful ever. The event was totaly sold out.

Anything an artist could wish for: airplay 24/7, interviews, a sold out concert within a short time of advertising and having a show in the large hall of one of the most beautiful clubs in Canada in the country’s most populated area. Although used to sold out venues, internationally renowned chanteuse Christine Schuhmann’s last concert for FM 98.5 CKWR, Canada’s first community radio station, was the most successful ever. People who could not get a ticket and wanted to experience the show anyway, gathered outside the packed hall of the Concordia Club to get at least a portion of the event. And according to the FM 98.5 CKWR’s radio hosts, never in the station’s history has an artist received these massive promotion as Christine.

At this benefit concert with an international flair, the fine singing sensation from the small town of Elma, Manitoba, greeted the audiences in six tongues and performed a variety of famous world hits in seven languages as well some yodeling tunes. Christine’s charming personality, her unique unmistakably crystal clear voice and skilfully interpretation of her songs captivated the listeners. The amazed crowd thanked her with standing ovations and encore calls. Her beautifully arranged and majestically performed signature song “Ave Maria” brought, as always, tears to many an eye and goose bumps.

During intermission while Christine signed CD’s and autograph cards, and together with 3 helpers sold her recordings, the audience could not be controlled anymore. Although announcing to form a line, they were afraid of not getting a “piece of the cake” (CD’s) and literally stormed the merchandise table. Entitled to fear, Christine’s latest album “Sounds of Music” was sold out (again) before everybody could get a copy of this wonderful recording.

The evening was orchestrated by the whole radio team of FM 98.5 CKWR. Harry Rauser, a long time member of the station and co-host of a popular radio program, had the idea for the concert with Christine. Some time ago he received an award in recognition as a volunteer with FM 98.5 CKWR, presented to him by the mayors of Kitchener and Waterloo. He is also a member of Christine’s fan club. Last but not least, Hans Gaensler, co-host of Musik Melodies, Christine’s chauffeur and fan club president and wife Karin, as well Thomas, Sabine and Linda Strauss did a tremendous job beautifying the concert hall with flowers and helping Christine at the CD table. The Joe Lindlau band supplied the great sound system and entertained during intermission. Joe also accompanies many stars from Europe while they tour across Canada and the USA. Before Christine got introduced by the well known radio personality Henning Grumme, the children’s choir of the German language school of Kitchener/Waterloo performed as an opening act for Christine a couple of songs and the Canadian national hymn.

Another highlight was being invited to the home of Sonja, the lead singer of the famous Black Forest Band of Kitchener. This band played for many years at the Oktoberfest in Winnipeg’s Convention Centre. As listed in the Guinness Book of Records, this venue was – at that time – the largest indoor Oktoberfest worldwide. Sonja and Christine had met while both performed at this event in the late nineties.

Music from the heart, to the heart – that is Christine’s principle. It is a scientifically proven fact that beautiful harmonious and melodious music with meaningful lyrics is good for the soul and health. Her continuously growing success proves how much people are seeking for this kind of entertainment again.